Three-quarters of Banderas Bay's 34 mile (55 km) coastline is beach. Here's your quick-guide to the area's beaches, listed from north to south and referenced on the interactive map at the bottom.
Playa San Francisco
Known as “San Pancho” to the locals, this small town is known for world-class surfing, and its sea turtle conservation program.
Playa Sayulita
Surfers began coming to Sayulita in the 1960s, and today it’s the most popular surf spot in the region. If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry – board rentals and lessons are available.
Playa El Anclote
Located near Punta de Mita at the northernmost tip of the bay, El Anclote is an excellent place for water-related activities. Take a tour to the Marietas Islands for snorkeling, diving, and seabird watching, or go on a whale watching tour.
Playa Manzanilla
This beach is at the southern end of the small fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and is protected by a headland. This area has long been popular with boaters, especially since the addition of a marina here a few years ago.
Playa Bucerias
At nearly 7 miles (11 kilometers) long, Bucerias’ beach is by far the longest in the bay which means if you're up for a walk you can easily get a bit of privacy.
Nuevo Vallarta
Lots of space for sunning, and home to the marina, which hosts an annual regatta.
Marina Vallarta
You can catch great views of downtown from the beachfront hotel properties in Marina.
Playa Los Muertos
Easily the liveliest beach in the bay, Los Muertos is located alongside Old Town in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Los Muertos is home to the city's most popular gay beach (ask for "Blue Chairs"), and a steady stream of mariachi bands, beachside restaurants, souvenir vendors, fish and camaron (shrimp) sellers, and parasailing outfits.
Conchas Chinas
Located just south of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Conchas Chinas is actually a number of small, rocky coves and stretches of sandy beach. Conchas Chinas is a short but steep walk from Old Town.
Playas Gemelas
Two small side-by-side beaches with clear water. Although there are condos nearby, we recommend you bring your own food and drinks.
Playa Mismaloya
famous since the 1963 filming of The Night of the Iguana, Playa Mismaloya is a super spot for snorkeling and swimming, and has the added convenience of several beach restaurants. Also a water taxi stop. Predator was filmed in the jungles in the mountains above.
Boca de Tomatlan
This jungle village at the mouth of Los Horcones River is best known for being the main water taxi hub of the south shore. It's also the last coastal stop on Highway 200; at Boca it juts inland.
Playa Las Animas
There’s not much on this secluded beach except for a few restaurants and some palapas, which make it an excellent place to get away from it all. You can get to Playa Las Animas via water taxi.
Quimixto
Accessible by water taxi, Quimixto is emerging as one of the hotspots for surfing in Banderas Bay, complete with its own annual surfing competition.
Yelapa
Located at the southern end of Banderas Bay, Yelapa is a bit of a time capsule. Inaccessbile by car, everything -- form groceries to tourists -- must be brought in by boat. The trouble's worth it if you're ready to get low and slow. Don’t miss the local specialties: home-made pies sold on the beach; and raicilla, a moonshine made from the maguay plant. Learn more about Yelapa.
